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Elkins Earthworks ProSEM Software User Guide
EEW ProSEM Software
User Guide
Revision
February 2019
Legal Notices
2
Office Elkins Earthworks 1050 Smokerise Drive Wadsworth, OH 44256 USA
Support Phone: (330) 725-7766
https://www.elkinsearthworks.com/
Revisions
Revision Date Contributors Description of Changes
1.0 02/2011 Environmental Solutions
Initial Release of SEMonitor
2.0 06/2019 Elkins Earthworks
Updates for ProSEM screenshots and functionality
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Purpose ........................................................................................................................... 4
Login Screen ................................................................................................................... 5
Main Menu ...................................................................................................................... 6
Settings ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
SEM Setup .............................................................................................................................................. 14
Verify Cal ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Background ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Inspect ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
ProSEM Data ................................................................................................................ 40
Directory Structure .................................................................................................................................. 40
Data File Definitions ............................................................................................................................... 41
Copying Files to Desktop PC .................................................................................................................. 53
Appendix A – How to Add Map Files ............................................................................. 54
Appendix B – Recheck Flow Chart ................................................................................ 57
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Elkins Earthworks ProSEM User Guide
Purpose
This user guide details the instructions to set up and operate the ProSEM software. This software runs on a
GPS enabled handheld device (Nomad or Archer) with a touch screen (Windows Mobile 6). The handheld
device controls operation of various SEM (surface emissions monitoring) equipment including Trimble’s
SiteFID, Thermofisher’s TVA1000 and TVA2020, and Inficon’s Irwin. The ProSEM software controls the
verification and operation of the SEM instrument, records landfill gas surface monitoring results and GPS
locations of samples, and transfers recorded field data to CSV files for storage on other computer systems.
The ProSEM software is specifically designed to meet the requirements for conducting a Landfill Gas
Surface Monitoring survey as detailed in USEPA 40 CFR 60, 40 CFR Part 60 - Method 21 and USEPA
Guidance Document, “Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, Volume 1 Summary Requirements for the New
Source Performance Standards and Emission Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (EPPA-
453R/96-004)”. The ProSEM Software was designed to gather data in a manner that complies with the
current and pending California Rule 1150.1, “Control of Gaseous Emissions from Active Landfills”
requirements.
To start the ProSEM software press the main menu or Windows button on the handheld device and navigate
to the EEW ProSEM icon. Follow the directions in this user’s guide to:
• Set up and configure the ProSEM software
• Use the SEM instrument to record verification, background, and field monitoring
measurements
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Elkins Earthworks ProSEM User Guide
Login Screen
The first screen to appear after launching the software is the login screen. Enter the technician’s first and
last name in the boxes provided (keypad will pop up when box is pressed) then press the “Sign On” button.
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Main Menu
After the technician logs in, the ProSEM Home menu appears. From this menu the technician can navigate
to the appropriate area to enter application settings, site settings, verify SEM calibration, record background
levels, inspect a site, or log out of the program.
The status bar at the top of the screen will display the current time and date, GPS signal status, and battery
power percentage remaining. Tapping the EEW Globe Icon will bring up a display screen showing the
ProSEM software version number. Tapping the GPS Icon will bring up a screen that displays the GPS status.
Tapping the question mark icon will bring up a help file.
When starting the ProSEM software for the first time or when working at a new site, set up a new site by
tapping the Settings button. Input the appropriate options for both the site and the application software so
that the monitoring event will comply with the regulatory requirements and site permit conditions.
To verify calibration for the SEM, tap the Verify Cal button and follow the steps provided.
To determine site background levels of methane, tap the Background button and follow the steps provided.
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To conduct a landfill gas surface monitoring integrated or instantaneous sampling event tap the Inspect
button and follow the steps provided.
To end the ProSEM application tap the Exit button.
Each of these buttons is explained in more detail in the sections below.
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Elkins Earthworks ProSEM User Guide
Settings
Landfill gas surface monitoring regulatory compliance requirements can vary from site to site based on
Federal, State and local regulations. The settings section is designed to allow the Environmental Professional
to set up a site along with the site-specific parameters for landfill gas monitoring. These settings should be
set by an environmental professional who is knowledgeable about the site regulatory requirements. The
settings should be reviewed to make sure they are correct before starting a landfill gas survey.
The following is a description of the process to be followed when using the ProSEM Software to input site
specific settings for a landfill.
1 Select Settings.
2 Select Sites
This allows the user to set up new
sites and to edit information on
existing sites.
3 To add a site, press the Add Site button.
To edit an existing site, select the
arrow icon.
To delete an existing site, select
the trash can icon.
Note: If you delete an existing site, the data
files of existing measurements will remain, but
all site-specific information will be deleted
from the program.
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4 Site ID
Enter a site ID that you want to use to
reference the site.
5 Name Site.
Enter a site name.
Hint:
Keep the site name short. The screen real
estate on the handheld device is limited due to
the screen size and a long name will only partly
display on some screens. Site names of less
than 10 characters are recommended.
6 Use Integrated Monitoring
Check the integrated site box if you
are required to perform an integrated
survey of the site. An integrated survey
records all readings during a traverse
of the landfill.
If the box is not checked, the site will
be set up for Instantaneous readings
only. A reading will only be collected
and stored during an inspection when
the Log Reading button is pressed.
Note: If you want to save the GPS locations of
your inspection traverse across the landfill to
compare to the planned traverse, you need to
select the Integrated option!
7 PPM Levels
This screen allows the user to set up
warning levels and the regulatory
exceedance levels for the site. Select
the warning or exceedance level you
want to change and enter the value.
Two warning levels can be set for
instantaneous readings. When a
warning or exceedance level is
exceeded during an inspection, a visual
and/or auditory warning will sound to
alert the user.
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8 Maps
The maps tab allows you to name and
set up map layers for display during
the site inspection. Select the Add
button to add a new map layer. Press
the Arrow icon to edit an existing
layer. Select the Trash Can icon to
delete a layer.
Note:
The map layers are created by Elkins Earthworks
using the Trimble Map Production Utility. See Appendix A for more information on how to obtain
and load map layers.
9 Map Layer Details
The Layer Description is the name of
the map layer that will display in the
Inspection screen. Keep this name
short and descriptive e.g. Photo,
Map, Grid, Traverse.
The file name (*.grp) for the layer
needs to be the exact file name of the
layer created in the Map Production
utility with the grp extension. This is
the file that references all the
necessary map images and associated
data files that the handheld device
needs to display the map layer.
Minimum zoom level. Set this to 1
Maximum zoom level. Set this to
10,000 to start and if the map image in
the inspection section does not
provide the needed detail at the
appropriate zoom level during a site
inspection adjust this number up and
down by a level of magnitude e.g.
10,000 to 1,000.
10 Site Grids
Whether the site is set up as integrated
or instantaneous, the software requires
at least one grid to be set up. Select
Add to enter new grids for the site.
When you are done entering all the
grids for the site select the Save
button.
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11 Add Site Grid
Ender the Grid name or number and
select OK.
Note:
You can divide your site into multiple
monitoring areas using grids. You can
either add and name each grid individually
or enter the total number of grids to
generate. In this instance the software will
auto generate all the grids by appending
numbers to the Grid ID you enter. The
inspection data for each area will be saved
under the grid name.
12 Delete Grid
You can delete an existing grid that is
no longer in use at the site by selecting
the Trash Can icon.
When done select the Save option.
13 Configure Sites
When done creating a new site or
editing an existing site select the
Done button to return to the
Settings Menu
14 Application Settings
Select Application Settings to set the
defaults for the ProSEM software.
These settings apply to all sites
managed by the ProSEM software.
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15 Select the Sample Rate Tab.
Integrated and Background Sampling
rates can be set here. Select “Use
Average” or “Use Highest” Integrated
measurement as the value of the level
that will be reported by the software.
16 Select the Warning Levels tab.
Enter the number of hours for a
background out of date warning and
Calibration out of date warning. These
values set the number of hours that
background or calibration readings are
valid for. After these set times expire it
is necessary to collect new background
or calibration data before a site
inspection is allowed.
17 Select Calibrate Levels tab.
Response Time Limit, Response Time
Accuracy Threshold % and Calibration
Precision Limit % can all be set by the
user. For collecting a background
reading at a site, you can either select
to average all the readings during the
background sampling time period or
take the highest reading during the
period.
18 When complete with all the Setting
changes in each of the tabs select Save.
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19 Done
Select the Main Menu button
when all applications settings are
complete.
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SEM Setup
The SEM Setup screens are used to establish a Bluetooth wireless link to the specific SEM instrument being
used for landfill gas surface monitoring. If more than one SEM gas monitor is present the software will
provide a list of instruments to choose from.
1 Select SEM Setup
2 Select the SEM model by pressing the
Select Device selection box. Press the
Device Bluetooth Search button. If the
SEM Bluetooth address is known, it
may be typed into the Device Bluetooth
Address field. In this case, there is no
need to do the Device Bluetooth Search.
3 The Software will search for all SEM
Instruments of the specified model
type selected that are within range of
the Bluetooth wireless transmitter.
This search will take approximately 30
seconds to complete.
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4 At the end of the search all SEM units
in Bluetooth wireless range will be
listed. Select the Bluetooth address
that matches the instrument you plan
to use and then select Save.
Note:
If no SEM instruments are found, an error
message “no Bluetooth devices found” will be
displayed. Select Cancel to return to the search
menu. Check to make sure that Bluetooth is
turned “On” for both the handheld device and
the SEM. Retry Device Bluetooth Search.
5 The selected SEM Bluetooth address
and the SEM device name will now
be displayed on the screen. If the
selected SEM instrument is the
correct one, select Save. You will be
returned to the ProSEM Home Menu
and the Nomad and SEM instrument
will be connected by Bluetooth.
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Verify Cal
The Verify Calibration option allows you to gather and store precision and response time calibration
information for the SEM portable gas monitor.
Important set-up tip: The SEM instrument itself must be calibrated to an appropriate calibration gas
following the procedures detailed in the instrument’s manual prior to running these site-specific calibration
verifications for precision and response time.
Information on the calibration gas cylinder is entered at the start of calibration procedure. To verify the SEM
calibration for landfill gas surface monitoring, three (3) measurements against the calibration gas standard
are recorded and the average value is calculated. This value is called the calibration precision value and it is
compared against a regulatory required precision value. Note: The allowed pass criteria for the precision
value (e.g. + or – 10%) can be set in the Settings section.
The response time for the instrument is the time it takes to register 90% of the calibration gas value. Three
response time measurements are made and the average response time calculated. The average response time
is compared to a regulatory required value.
Note: The response time standard (e.g. 30 seconds) can be set in the Settings section.
The following is a description of the process to be followed to use the ProSEM software to verify calibration
of a SEM portable gas monitor.
1 Select Verify Cal
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2
Select Cylinder Serial Number.
Select the calibration serial number to go to
the entry screen.
3 Enter the serial number or Lot # on the
calibration gas cylinder.
4 The calibration gas used for landfill gas
monitoring should be Methane which is the
default for the Calibration gas type.
Select Calibration Gas PPM.
5 Enter the Calibration Gas PPM value from the
calibration gas cylinder. Select OK.
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6 Select Next to go the Calibrate Sensor screen
7 Select Calibration Precision to verify the
SEM calibration. Three (3) measurements are
required to verify the SEM for landfill gas
surface monitoring. The number of
measurements completed are displayed on the
Calibration Precision button.
8 Select Measure #1.
9 If this is the first time this screen has been
accessed, the SEM instrument needs to be
connected to the handheld device to send
data over the Bluetooth connection which
was established in the SEM Setup Procedure.
Select Connect Sensor
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10 Establishing connection
As the software is establishing a connection to
the SEM portable gas monitor the information
screen will appear for approximately 10
seconds
11 If the software was not able to establish a
connection to the SEM gas monitor you
will see this screen.
Check the following and try to connect again:
1. The Bluetooth option is turned on in the
handheld device.
2. The SEM is set up to stream real time data.
Note:
On the SiteFID monitor select: SiteFID Setup>Enter
Password>Real Time Data> Real Time Data ON
If you still have problems, refer to the manual
for the SEM being used.
12 The ProSEM Software will establish a
connection to the SEM instrument using
Bluetooth. When the connection is established
the SEM will start sending measurements to
the ProSEM software.
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13 If the SEM instrument is a FID (flame
ionization detector) and the flame has not
been ignited, a FID flame off warning will be
displayed. If the Ignite Flame button is
present, pressing it will cause the ProSEM
software to send a command to the FID that
will turn on the pump and ignite the hydrogen
flame in the detector. It may take 2 or 3 tries
to ignite the flame. If the flame does not ignite
(or the Ignite Flame button is not present)
refer to the FID manual to see how to ignite
the flame directly from the FID unit itself.
Note: Make sure the hydrogen tank is turned on and
there is hydrogen in the tank.
14 Once the connection is established to the
SEM instrument, readings will appear in the
Current PPM window. Start the calibration
with zero air. Then attach the calibration
gas and let the reading stabilize. With the
calibration gas connected the readings
should stabilize near the Calibration gas
value.
Note:
If using a tedlar bag to calibrate the SEM, do not
over inflate the tedlar bag with the calibration gas.
The bag should only be full enough to extend the bag 1
inch in the middle of the bag. If the bag is over inflated,
the pressure forces more calibration gas through the
detector, and the verification will not be accurate.
Readings at normal atmospheric pressure will then be
biased low and the measurements will drift more than
if calibrated properly. See the SEM User Manual for
more details.
15 Once the reading has stabilized select Save.
The accuracy of the SEM instrument
measurement as compared to the Calibration
gas standard is displayed in the Precision
Accuracy window. If the accuracy is outside
the acceptable percentage range (that is set in
the Settings section), the background in the
Precision Accuracy window will be colored
red. If the value is within the established
accuracy range, the background color will be
white.
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16 Repeat the above calibration verification
procedure for Measure #2 and Measure
#3.
Note:
For each verification you need to detach the
calibration gas and let the instrument return to reading
zero air before attaching the calibration gas and taking
the next reading.
17 At the completion of the third verification
measurement, the Final Calibration Precision
percentage for the three readings is calculated
and displayed in the Final Calibration
Precision window.
Compare the calculated precision value with
the regulatory requirement for landfill gas
surface monitoring at your landfill. If the
value is out of range, the SEM may need to
be recalibrated (according to its manual)
before it can be used.
Select Calibration Menu
18 Once the Calibrate Precision steps are finished
“Complete: X%” is displayed in the Calibrate
Precision button.
To complete the next step in the
verification process, select Response Time.
19 Select Measure #1
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20 Disconnect the calibration gas and let the
SEM stabilize to the background
concentration. Then connect the calibration
gas to the SEM while simultaneously
pressing the Start Timing button.
Note:
The response time should be measured using the hose
and probe that will be used in the field for collecting
samples.
21 The Response Time will be measured as the
time it takes the SEM instrument to reach
90% of the calibration gas concentration. This
concentration is calculated by the software
based on the site-specific values entered in the
settings section for the site.
22 When this value is reached, the response
time value is displayed in the Response
Time window.
Select Save
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23 The response time for measurement #1 is
displayed on the Response Times Screen. The
starting and ending concentrations for the
response times are both recorded.
Repeat the above response time procedure for
Measure #2 and Measure #3.
24 At the completion of the third response time
reading, the average response time is
calculated and displayed in the Final Average
Response Time Window. Compare the
calculated average response time with the
regulatory requirement value for landfill gas
surface monitoring at your landfill.
If the value is out of range, refer to the user’s
manual for the SEM instrument you are using.
Note:
Make sure there is no obstruction or blockage in the
sample hoses.
Select Calibration Menu
25 Once the Response Time steps are finished
“Complete: X seconds” is displayed in the
Response Time button.
Once both the Calibration Precision and
Response Time calibration steps are complete
select Save then Main Menu.
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Elkins Earthworks ProSEM User Guide
Background
A background measurement should be taken before conducting landfill gas surface monitoring at the
landfill. To perform the background measurement, the wind direction needs to be determined. Upwind and
downwind background readings should be collected at the landfill to determine ambient levels at the site.
These levels will be subtracted from the surface gas monitoring measurements.
If background conditions at the site change during monitoring, new background readings may be taken.
Landfill gas surface monitoring readings from this point on will be adjusted for the new background level.
The following is a description of the process to be followed to use the ProSEM Software to measure
background conditions at the site using the SEM portable gas monitor.
1 Select Background
2 Select the landfill site name from
the list. Once the site is selected and
highlighted select OK.
If your site is not listed, it needs to
be added. See the Settings section on
how to add a new landfill site to the
ProSEM software.
3 Select Weather Conditions
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4 Tap the Temp, Wind speed, Wind
Direction, Sky Condition and
Precipitation buttons one at a time.
Use the touch screen keypad or select
an option from a drop-down menu to
enter the Weather Conditions at the
site.
5 When all weather conditions for the
site have been entered, select
Background Menu
6 After weather conditions have been
entered, Complete is indicated on
the Weather Conditions Button.
Select Upwind PPM.
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7 Take the SEM instrument to an
upwind point at the landfill and allow
the ambient readings to stabilize.
Select Start to measure the upwind
background level.
Note:
The length of time to gather a background
sample can be set in the Settings Section as
well as if you are using an average or
maximum reading for the background level.
Make sure that you are getting a stable GPS
signal before taking the Background sample
so that the location will be recorded
accurately.
8 The SEM instrument will start
reading the ambient air concentration
of methane. The upwind background
reading will take a measurement over
user defined period (defined in
Settings Section) and average the
readings. The average upwind
background reading will be displayed
in the Average PPM window.
When complete select Save.
9 Enter a location description for the
upwind background sample location.
The latitude and longitude of the
location will automatically be stored
with the upwind sample location
value.
Select Save.
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10 After the upwind background reading
is complete, the background reading is
displayed in the Upwind PPM Button
as “Complete: X ppm”
Select Downwind PPM
Note:
The upwind and downwind background
readings can be taken in any order, e.g.,
the Upwind reading does not need to be
collected first.
11 Take the SEM instrument to a
downwind point at the landfill and
allow the ambient readings to
stabilize.
Select Start to measure the downwind
background level.
12 The SEM instrument will start
reading the ambient air concentration
of methane. The average downwind
background reading will be
displayed in the Average PPM
window.
When complete select Save.
13 Enter a location description for the
downwind background sample
location. The latitude and longitude
of the location will automatically be
stored with the downwind sample
location value.
Select Save.
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14 When all the Weather Conditions,
Upwind PPM, and Downwind
PPM measurements are complete
select Save.
15 A message will be displayed that the
background file has been saved.
The background value for the site
will be added to the regulator action
levels for the landfill gas monitoring
activities.
For example, if the regulatory action
level is 500 ppm and the background
level is 23 ppm, the action level for
the landfill gas surface monitoring
will be 523 ppm. This takes into
account the site ambient air
background level of 23 ppm.
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Inspect
The calibration and background readings should be completed before selecting the inspect button. Inspection
consists of collecting landfill gas surface monitoring data for the landfill. ProSEM software collects
integrated and instantaneous data simultaneously. An integrated landfill gas monitoring event can be paused
to collect an instantaneous reading and then resumed. The ProSEM software manages the data gathering of:
Initial, First 10-day, Second 10-day, Month, and Month + 10-day surface monitoring data. See the
Appendix B remonitoring flowchart which shows what happens when exceedances are encountered for each
event.
The software uses the handheld device’s GPS positioning capability to mark exceedances and record the
locations for subsequent follow-up compliance monitoring (e.g. First 10-day re-measurement). If a
georeferenced site base map or air photo of the landfill has been loaded to the program, the environmental
professional conducting the site survey can monitor and track their sampling traverse across the landfill
using the ProSEM map view feature. The ProSEM software records the position of all samples collected
during the landfill gas surface monitoring event using the handheld device’s GPS functionality.
The following is a description of the process to be followed to use the ProSEM Software to collect
integrated and instantaneous landfill gas surface sample data at a landfill using a SEM portable gas monitor.
1 Select Inspect.
2. Select Site.
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3. Choose the site from the dropdown list
and select OK.
If the landfill site is not listed, go
to the Settings section and follow
the instructions on how to add a
new landfill site to the ProSEM
software.
Hint: When making the site name keep it short
so that it displays on the limited size screen of
the handheld device.
4 Select Period.
Select the period you want to collect
monitoring data for. The data for each
monitoring period will be saved in
separate files.
Note: The current quarterly period will display
at the top. When a new quarter starts, the next
quarter will automatically show up on the list.
The program uses the handheld device’s date
and time to determine when to add the next
quarterly monitoring period.
5 Choose the monthly or quarterly
period for the sampling event.
Select OK.
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6 Select Open Event.
The initial event is the first inspection
to gather landfill surface gas data at a
facility. The First 10 day, Second 10
day, Month, and Month + 10 events
are sequential occurrences after the
Initial monitoring. The exceedances
recorded in the previous event are
passed on to the subsequent event for
re-monitoring. If you need to record a
discrete sample that is not related to
landfill gas surface monitoring, select
the Point Check option.
7 Choose the type of event.
You need to conduct an Initial
inspection of a site before the
additional remonitoring options are
available.
Select OK.
Note:
See the Appendix B remonitoring flowchart
which shows what happens when exceedances
are encountered for each event.
8 After the Site, Period and Event are
chosen, select Open Event.
9 Select Start Monitor to start an
integrated monitoring event.
Note:
The type of monitoring can be Instantaneous or
Integrated. The type of monitoring for the site
is set in the Settings Section. An Instantaneous
site does not store monitoring data on the
traverses but only when instantaneous readings
are taken. An integrated site allows you to
record your traverse information and displays
it on the site base map on the handheld device.
An integrated site stores data by grids which
are set up in the Settings Section.
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10 Select Pause Monitor to pause an
integrated monitoring event.
Go to the area where you want to take
an instantaneous reading. Let the
reading stabilize in the Current PPM
window.
Select Log Reading.
11 The SEM instantaneous reading
value and location are displayed.
Select Save to store reading or Cancel
to reject.
Saving will store the instantaneous
reading location and mark it on the site
map.
12 Return to the location where the
integrated reading was paused and
select Start Monitor to resume the
integrated monitoring event.
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13 When the integrated monitoring event
is complete, select Next to go to the
next grid or Done to complete the
event and return to the Site/Event
screen.
The landfill gas surface monitoring
data is stored in data files on the
handheld device.
14 Instantaneous Monitoring
When an instantaneous monitoring set-
up is selected for the site, the data
screen will display the SEM reading
and allow the User to Start/Pause the
GPS tracking of the site survey route.
Use the Log Readings button to record
an instantaneous reading. The Map
View Button will display the site Base
maps and if the GSP Track is on, a
breadcrumb trail of the inspection
route will be displayed on the Map
View.
15 Map View
Select the Map View Button on the
data view screen
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16 The Map View allows the user to
display a base map of the facility that
can be a combination of layers
including air photo, CAD Base Map,
GIS base map, and planned traverses
for the landfill gas surface monitoring.
To select the available layers, tap the
Map Layer Icon (Road Map I-91).
The + and – icons zoom in and out of
the map to provide the appropriate
scale for working at the site.
The current reading of the SEM is
displayed in the reading window. To
pause or continue an integrated scan
you can select the Play/Pause button.
To return to the data view, select the
Data View button.
17 Map Layers
Map option can display several layers
on the handheld device for the field
personnel. Select the Map Overlays
and then the check box to turn a layer
on or off. Select OK when done to
return to the map view.
The data gathered during the site
inspection are also stored on separate
layers that can be turned on and off by
the users. The Measurements option
displays the instantaneous
measurements and the GPS Track
displays the sample route for the
inspection.
Note:
When you first go to Map view at a site, you
need to go here and turn on a layer before
anything will show up in the map view screen.
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18 The Map View provides a view of
your location marked by a red cross
overlaid on a facility CAD map or air
photo. As you move around on the
site, the map will show your location
and re-center itself automatically when
your location nears the edge of the
map on the screen.
The integrated or instantaneous route
surveyed is marked in pink with a
breadcrumb trail of yellow dots. An
instantaneous reading is indicated on
the map as a green symbol with the
sample number and the reading
showing next to the point. If the
instantaneous reading is above the
action level, the symbol and label are
red in color.
Select the Next button to go to the
next grid.
When you have completed the
monitoring event, select the Done
button.
Note:
To start the integrated survey after taking an
instantaneous reading, be sure to select the
Play symbol to start up the integrated survey
again from the place you left off.
19 Complete warning.
When you have selected the Done
option to end inspection activities, you
will get this warning to provide you an
opportunity to continue monitoring in
case the Done key was hit by accident.
Select Yes to complete the monitoring
or No to return to the site inspection.
Note:
The inspection may be resumed at a later time
even if you replied “Yes” to this pop-up
window.
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20 Continue Scan
If you do not complete an initial
inspection during a work session, you
can stop the inspection and restart it
later. To re-start an initial inspection,
select the inspection site, period, and
event that was interrupted. If data for
this event exists, a screen will be
displayed to ask if you want to
Continue Old Scan (continue an
Inspection).
If you select the Continue Old Scan
option, new data will be appended to
the existing site inspection data.
If you select the New Initial Scan
option, the existing data is deleted.
This option is used when there is a
problem with the previous scan and it
needs to be re-done.
Note: The historical measurement data still
exists in the site’s database directory even if a
New Initial Scan is selected.
The Cancel option is used if you select
the wrong site, period or scan option to
return to the main Inspect Menu.
21 Additional Follow-up
After the initial scan the ProSEM
Software allows you to follow-up and
record 1st 10 day, 2nd 10 day, Month,
and Month + 10 day exceedance
points. To conduct follow-up
monitoring select the Event you want
to monitor
e.g. 1st 10 Day. Select the Open Event
button.
Note: See Appendix B to see a flowchart of
how follow up events work in the ProSEM
software.
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22 Select if you want to Remonitor
Instantaneous exceedances or a grid
Integrated Exceedance.
23 Select Exceedance to remonitor.
Highlight the exceedance you want to
remonitor and select the Remonitor ID
x button.
24 To remonitor an exceedance point,
navigate to the point. The screen will
display the original GPS coordinates,
your current coordinates, and the
distance to the original location. You
can use the Map View to navigate to
the original point.
When you have arrived and are
prepared to log a new reading select
the Log Reading button.
25 Add any comment you want about the
location and select the Save button.
The latitude and longitude of the new
reading will be stored along with the
new sample concentration.
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26 Select additional points to
monitor. Points that are below the
site exceedance level are
displayed in black and points that
continue to exceed the site
regulatory limit are displayed in
Red.
Repeat the above remonitoring
procedure for the 2nd 10-day, month,
and month + 10 day as required. Select
the Done button when complete with
the remonitoring survey.
27 Remonitoring Integrated Exceedance
Select the Remonitor Integrated
exceedance from the follow-up
options. Select the grid to be
monitored from the next screen.
28 Remonitor the grid to obtain the new
average integrated value for the grid.
Repeat the above integrated
remonitoring procedure for the 2nd 10
day, month, month+10 day as required.
Select the Done button when complete.
29 Point Check
This function allows the user to
monitor and record points at the site
that are not part of the landfill surface
monitoring compliance program. To
monitor and record a point at the site
use the Point Check option in the Event
selection options on the main screen.
The point check data will be stored in a
separate .csv file from the landfill gas
surface monitoring data and is
available to download and opened with
Microsoft Excel.
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30 If a FID is being used as the SEM
instrument and the flame is
extinguished, a warning, “Sensor
Flame is off!” is displayed. Select
Ignite Flame to restart the FID
detector. If the flame relights continue
the survey. If the Flame does not
relight refer to the FID instrument
User Guide.
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ProSEM Data
Site data collected during a landfill gas surface monitoring survey is stored on the handheld device in
comma separated value (csv) files. These files can be copied to a desktop computer and opened with
Microsoft Excel.
Directory Structure
ProSEM uses the following directory structure to store files on the handheld device.
Root directory
ProSEM Data
Calibration Verification
Site Data
Site Name 1
Background
Database
Maps
Monitoring
Site Name 2
Background
Database
Maps
Monitoring
…
Site Name X
Background
Database
Maps
Monitoring
Application Data
ProSEM
AUTO_SAVE
MasterData
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Data File Definitions
Important tip: All the latitude and longitude GPS coordinates in the data files are in the WGS84 latitude
and longitude decimal degrees. Northing and easting are in the site projection coordinate system (e.g.
System=US State Plane 1983, Zone=Maryland 1900, Datum NAD 1983(Conus)).
ProSEM exports data into four main types/directories:
1. Calibration Verification
2. Site Background
3. Site Monitoring
4. Site Database
All files are exported in comma-separated value (.CSV) format. The first column in every row is a
descriptor which identifies the row type. Files may include header labels to make the files easier to
understand. Header labels appear above the data rows. Header labels can be identified (and ignored by
software processing) by an EMPTY first column (i.e. no row descriptor).
The description and column definitions for each file type are contained in the following pages.
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Calibration Verification File
The Calibration Verification File contains summary and detail information about Calibration Precision and
Response Time tests for a given SEM instrument. A Single CALIBRATION SUMMARY line includes the
averages and general information. This line is followed by three PRECISION MEASUREMENT lines and
three RESPONSE TIME MEASUREMENT lines which give the details of each measurement test.
File Naming Convention:
VERIFICATION_fidHardwareId_year_month_day_hour_minute.CSV
Note: Date/Time in file names use UTC 24-hour clock.
Row Type: CALIBRATION SUMMARY
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “CALIBRATION SUMMARY”]
String
2 OPERATOR NAME String
3 FID ID String
4 FILE SAVE TIME Date/Time
5 AVG PRECISION (%) Decimal
6 AVG RESPONSE TIME (seconds) Decimal
Row Type: PRECISION MEASUREMENT
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “PRECISION MEASUREMENT”]
String
2 CAL GAS SERIAL NUMBER
[Serial # of Cal Gas Cylinder]
String
3 CAL GAS TYPE
[always “CH4 (Methane)”]
String
4 CAL GAS CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Marked concentration of Cal Gas Cylinder]
Decimal
5 MEASURED CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Actual reading from FID]
Decimal
6 DIFFERENCE (ppm)
[Measured Concentration – Cal Gas Concentration]
Decimal
7 DIFFERENCE (%) Decimal
8 ZERO AIR PPM Decimal
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9 TIMESTAMP Date/Time
10 INSTRUMENT ID
[Identifier for SEM hardware used in monitoring]
String
Row Type: RESPONSE TIME MEASUREMENT
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “RESPONSE TIME MEASUREMENT”]
String
2 CAL GAS SERIAL NUMBER
[Serial # of Cal Gas Cylinder]
String
3 CAL GAS TYPE
[always “CH4 (Methane)”]
String
4 CAL GAS CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Marked concentration of Cal Gas Cylinder]
Decimal
5 TARGET CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Cal Gas Concentration * acceptable %]
Decimal
6 INITIAL CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Actual reading at the start of measuring
– should be 0)]
Decimal
7 RESPONSE TIME (seconds)
[Seconds elapsed before target
concentration reached]
Integer
8 TIMESTAMP Date/Time
9 INSTRUMENT ID
[Identifier for SEM hardware used in monitoring]
String
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Site Background File
The Background file contains information about the background concentration levels near the inspection
site. All data is contained in a single BACKGROUND SUMMARY row.
File Naming Convention:
BACKGROUND_sitename_year_month_day_hour_minute.CSV
Note: Date/Time in file names use UTC 24-hour clock.
Row Type: BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Column Description Data Type
1 SITE NAME String
2 MONITOR TYPE
[always “BACKGROUND SUMMARY”]
String
3 FID ID
[Identifier for SEM hardware used in monitoring]
String
4 UPWIND TIMESTAMP Date/Time
5 AVG BACKGROUND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Avg of upwind and downwind readings]
Decimal
6 TEMPERATURE (DegF) Integer
7 WIND SPEED Integer
8 WIND DIRECTION
[N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW]
String
9 SKY CONDITION
[Clear, Partly Cloudy, Mostly Cloudy, Overcast,
Obscured]
String
10 PRECIPITATION
[None, Drizzle, Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet, Hail, Snow]
String
11 UPWIND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm) Decimal
12 UPWIND NORTHING
[Latitude of upwind reading location]
Decimal
13 UPWIND EASTING
[Longitude of upwind reading location]
Decimal
14 UPWIND DESCRIPTION
[Comments for upwind reading location]
String
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15 DOWNWIND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
Decimal
16 DOWNWIND TIMESTAMP Date/Time
17 DOWNWIND NORTHING
[Latitude of downwind reading location]
Decimal
18 DOWNWIND EASTING
[Longitude of downwind reading location]
Decimal
19 DOWNWIND DESCRIPTION
[Comments for downwind reading location]
String
20 PDOP
[GPS position dilution of precision]
Decimal
21 HDOP
[GPS horizontal dilution of precision]
Decimal
22 VDOP
[GPS vertical dilution of precision]
Decimal
23 SATELLITES
[GPS number of satellites being used]
Integer
24 UTC
[GPS date/time]
Date/Time
25 OPERATOR NAME String
26 FILE SAVE TIME Date/Time
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Site Monitoring Files/Directory
The site monitoring directory contains the traditional Monitor files along with any other file types (.csv,
.kml, or .xml) the user has chosen to export.
Important tip: KML files contain walking path information similar to what is shown on the ProSEM maps
screen. This file may be dragged onto an open Google Earth window to show the path.
The traditional Monitoring File contains both summary information and all measurements from a specific
monitoring event. There are 4 sections in this file:
1. Monitor Summary
2. Integrated Reading
3. Instantaneous Reading
4. Position Tracking
The single MONITOR SUMMARY line contains summary information about the site and inspection. This
line is followed by multiple INTEGRATED READING lines and multiple INSTANTANEOUS READING
lines which give the details of individual readings captured. Each file may also contain multiple POSITION
TRACKING lines which record the path taken during the inspection. The same file format is used for both
integrated and non-integrated inspections. In the case of non-integrated inspections, unused summary
columns will be blank, and there will be no INTEGRATED READING rows.
File Naming Convention:
MONITOR_sitename_GRID_gridID_year_quarter_event.CSV
Note: For POINT CHECK events, since there can be multiple point check files per period, the file name is
suffixed with the current system time. For example, a point check performed on March 15, 2011 at 10:05am
would be named…
MONITOR_MySite_GRID_A1_2011_Q1_PointCheck_2011_03_15_10_05.csv
Row Type: MONITOR SUMMARY
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “MONITOR SUMMARY”]
String
2 SITE NAME
[Name of Site being monitored]
String
3 INSTRUMENT ID
[Identifier for SEM hardware used in monitoring]
String
4 FILE SAVE TIME Date/Time
5 BACKGROUND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[imported from background file]
Decimal
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6 INTEGRATED DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Avg of all integrated readings – Blank if non- integrated]
Decimal
7 ELAPSED TIME (seconds)
[Total seconds spent doing integrated scan – Blank if non-integrated]
Integer
8 INTEGRATED READING COUNT
[Number of INTEGRATED READING rows that follow]
Integer
9 INSTANTANEOUS READING COUNT
[Number of INSTANTANEOUS READING rows that follow]
Integer
10 OPERATOR NAME
[Full Name of operator performing monitoring]
String
11 GRID ID
[Grid # being monitored – Blank if non-integrated]
String
12 YEAR Integer
13 EVENT
[Init,1-10D,2-10D,30D,PC]
String
14 PERIOD TYPE
[Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual]
String
15 PERIOD
[Number of period types]
Integer
16 VERIFICATION FILE
[Reference to name of verification file used]
String
17 BACKGROUND FILE
[Reference to name of background file used]
String
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Row Type: INTEGRATED READING
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “INTEGRATED READING”]
String
2 ID
[Measurement number]
Integer
3 TIMESTAMP Date/Time
4 MONITORED DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Actual value reported from SEM instrument]
Decimal
5 ADJUSTED DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[= Monitored – Background, Never less than 0]
Decimal
6 BACKGROUND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Avg or High Background from Background File]
Decimal
7 NORTHING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
8 EASTING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
9 LAT WGS84
[Latitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
10 LON WGS84
[Longitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
11 PDOP
[GPS position dilution of precision]
Decimal
12 HDOP
[GPS horizontal dilution of precision]
Decimal
13 VDOP
[GPS vertical dilution of precision]
Decimal
14 SATELLITES
[GPS number of satellites being used]
Integer
15 UTC
[GPS date/time]
Date/Time
16 INTEGRATED INTERVAL READING TYPE
[Averaged or Highest]
String
17 COMMENTS String
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Row Type: INSTANTANEOUS READING
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “INSTANTANEOUS READING”]
String
2 ID
[Measurement number]
Integer
3 TIMESTAMP Date/Time
4 MONITORED DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Actual value reported from SEM instrument]
Decimal
5 ADJUSTED DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[= Monitored – Background, Never less than 0]
Decimal
6 BACKGROUND DETECTOR CONCENTRATION (ppm)
[Avg or High Background from Background File]
Decimal
7 COVER INTEGRITY String
8 REPAIRS String
9 COMMENTS String
10 NORTHING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
11 EASTING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
12 LAT WGS84
[Latitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
13 LON WGS84
[Longitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
14 PDOP
[GPS position dilution of precision]
Decimal
15 HDOP
[GPS horizontal dilution of precision]
Decimal
16 VDOP
[GPS vertical dilution of precision]
Decimal
17 SATELLITES
[GPS number of satellites being used]
Integer
18 UTC
[GPS date/time]
Date/Time
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Row Type: POSITION TRACKING
Column Description Data Type
1 ROW DESCRIPTOR
[always “POSITION TRACKING”]
String
2 TIMESTAMP Date/Time
3 NORTHING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
4 EASTING
[In Local Coordinate System]
Decimal
5 LAT WGS84
[Latitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
6 LON WGS84
[Longitude in WGS84 Decimal Degrees]
Decimal
7 POINT TYPE
*Either “Start Point”, “Stop Point”, or blank, indicating
a continuation of a line segment]
String
8 PDOP
[GPS position dilution of precision]
Decimal
9 HDOP
[GPS horizontal dilution of precision]
Decimal
10 VDOP
[GPS vertical dilution of precision]
Decimal
11 SATELLITES
[GPS number of satellites being used]
Integer
12 UTC
[GPS date/time]
Date/Time
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Site Database Files Directory
The Site Database Files were created to augment the existing monitoring files to make them more database
upload friendly. There are three types of database files:
1. Integrated
2. Instantaneous
3. Position
Whereas the monitor type files (explained earlier) are only stored when a user ends a monitoring event, the
database files are updated (appended) for every single measurement. Therefore, if a user takes data during a
monitoring event and later chooses to overwrite the earlier monitoring event, the data will still exist in the
database files.
File Naming Conventions:
sitename_Integrated_month-day-year.CSV
sitename_Instantaneous_month-day-year.CSV
sitename_Position_month-day-year.CSV
New files are created whenever the date (day) changes or whenever a new site is being monitored. These
files have the same columns as the monitoring files with the addition of 4 new (string type) columns:
1. Site Name
2. Grid ID
3. Operator Name
4. Instrument ID
The new columns are shown highlighted in green in the table below.
Database Integrated File
Columns
Database Instantaneous File
Columns
Database Position File
Columns
MONITOR TYPE MONITOR TYPE MONITOR TYPE
ID ID SITE NAME
SITE NAME SITE NAME GRID ID
GRID ID GRID ID TIMESTAMP
TIMESTAMP TIMESTAMP NORTHING
MONITORED DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
MONITORED DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
EASTING
ADJUSTED DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
ADJUSTED DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
LAT WGS84
BACKGROUND DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
BACKGROUND DETECTOR
CONCENTRATION (ppmv)
LON WGS84
NORTHING COVER INTEGRITY Point Type
EASTING REPAIRS PDOP
LAT WGS84 COMMENTS HDOP
LON WGS84 NORTHING VDOP
PDOP EASTING SATELLITES
HDOP LAT WGS84 UTC
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VDOP LON WGS84 OPERATOR NAME
SATELLITES PDOP INSTRUMENT ID
UTC HDOP
INTEGRATED INTERVAL
READING TYPE
VDOP
COMMENTS SATELLITES
OPERATOR NAME UTC
INSTRUMENT ID OPERATOR NAME
INSTRUMENT ID
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Copying Files to Desktop PC
The preferred method to copy files from a handheld device to a desktop PC is by using a USB flash drive.
1 Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port
on the handheld device. On the handheld
device open File Explorer and navigate to
the data to be copied. Instead of copying
individual files, it is easier to copy entire
directories. Press and hold the stylus on the
directory to be copied until a menu appears.
Select copy.
2 Select the My Device button at the top of the
screen (changes to “Show” when selected)
and choose hard disk (which is the USB
flash drive).
3 Press and hold the stylus in a blank area
until a menu appears. Select Paste.
Remove the flash drive from the handheld
device and insert into your desktop PC. Use
file explorer to copy the files to their final
locations.
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Appendix A – How to Add Map Files
Map files traditionally consist of a walking path or grid overlaid on an aerial image of the site. The Trimble
Map Production Utility is used to create the maps from Google Earth aerial images and customer CAD files
(for walking paths and grids). Elkins Earthworks provides the map creation service for a nominal fee.
1. Add Your Site Information to ProSEM
Follow the steps below if your site has not already been set up in the ProSEM software.
a. Open the ProSEM application, log in, and go to Settings>Sites>Add Site. Check “Use
Integrated Monitoring” and then tap the “Name” box. Type in your site name.
b. Navigate to the “Site Grids” tab to create the number of desired grids. If you don’t use grids,
create only a single grid by entering a grid name of your choice.
c. Save the site information by pressing the “Save” button.
2. Transfer Files to the Handheld PC
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a. On your computer, find the zipped map file that you received from Elkins Earthworks.
b. Unzip the file. On Windows 10, unzip it by right-clicking on the file and then clicking “Extract
All…”
c. Using a flash drive or Windows Mobile Device Center, copy the contents of the unzipped folder
to the \\ProSEM\Site Data\SiteName\Maps folder. This folder should have been automatically
created when the site was added in step 1 above.
3. Set Up the Maps
a. First, add the walking path to the map. In ProSEM go to: Maps tab>Add. The map files from
the zipped file should show up with extensions “.GRP”. Choose the walking path and click
“OK”. Now click in the “Layer Description” box and call it “Path”.
b. To add the grid, do the same thing. Go to: Add>File Name>Tap the grid image (“Grid.GRP”).
Call it “Grid”.
c. Last, add the Aerial the same way. It’s important to add the aerial after the grid and walking
path otherwise the Aerial will cover up the grid and path. Add>File Name>Tap the aerial image
(“Aerial.GRP”). Call it “Aerial”.
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4. Check the Maps
To preview the map, tap Map View, and click the Map Overlays button (I-90 sign), and check all the
maps. Everything should show up.
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Appendix B – Recheck Flow Chart
The flow chart below shows how the ProSEM software handles monitoring event exceedances.